Latest Volvo Penta news regard the Active Corrosion Protection for Sterndrivers, the Repositioning system for DPS, and Active Ride Control through the interceptor blades.
Its seems like we have to call this piece Volvo Penta News, as there’s not one but three novelties to talk about. Let’s see them in detail.
Volvo Penta Active Corrosion Protection
ACP takes another step towards easy boating. The system is designed to protect the boat owner’s drive from corrosion in the water and is already available for the safeguarding of Volvo Penta’s IPS drives, but now ACP is being expanded to deliver constant protection to both Volvo Penta diesel and gasoline sterndrives. Replacing the usual sacrificial anodes – blocks made of metal such as magnesium, aluminum or zinc – ACP presents a more effective and reliable option: by applying impressed currents through a transom unit, the system protects the drive from galvanic corrosion continually measuring and automatically adjusting the electrical output for ideal protection. Volvo Penta’s ACP system is fully integrated into the boat’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC), enabling the owner to monitor the protection status directly from the helm. It is integrated in the standard engine displays, meaning no extra displays are needed.
The system comes as a complete package, including a control unit, a transom unit and a back-up sacrificial anode. It is powered by the boat’s auxiliary battery, backed-up with shore power when at the dock. If the battery level is low, the drive is still protected by the back-up sacrificial anode.
Dynamic Positioning System now includes Repositioning functionality
The feature is the latest element of the company’s Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), launched in 2009 and part of Volvo Penta’s IPS. It automatically maintains the boat’s heading and position, and safely keeps it within a very limited area, even during strong currents or windy conditions – perfect when preparing for docking, waiting to refuel, or for a bridge or lock to open. All features of the DPS are automatic, allowing boaters not to worry about wind or currents interfering when changing position.
The new Repositioning feature enables the boat to move three meters with each tap of the joystick. It also allows for heading adjustments on the spot. The function has been enhanced to help maintain position in choppy waters and to allow a refinement of movement for activities such as fishing, exploring reefs, or allowing another boat to pass by when in a narrow waterway.
The Repositioning function uses specially developed software in the boat’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system to transfer GPS data into commands for steering angles, gear shifts and throttle positions to make minor adjustments of movement. Up to 10 steps can be made while still in DPS mode, with a diagonal move requiring two steps: forward or reverse plus sideways.
The Repositioning feature is available now on new boats installed with Volvo Penta IPS and can be retrofitted to most DPS-equipped boats.
Volvo Penta Active Ride Control
Third and last of these Volvo Penta news, VP’s new Active Ride Control function reduces a boat’s pitch and roll by up to 60%, for enhanced stabilization and better onboard comfort.
ARC is the result of years of development of improving safety and onboard comfort. By using the Volvo Penta interceptor system, the system effectively diminishes pitch and roll motion by up to 60 per cent at cruising speeds.
It can be fitted to both planing and semi-planing Volvo Penta-powered boats of 35ft and over. When planing or semi-planing, it activates the interceptor blades that rapidly protrude at different lengths to reduce pitch and roll, and level out the boat. The system can be adjusted to increase or decrease the sensitivity of movement.
Active Ride Control is fully integrated with Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system, which makes it easy to use. The control unit works with Volvo Penta’s Glass Cockpit System to show trim and list angles in the display unit.
